Great news: The Stoughton Police Department now carries Narcan. In an overdose emergency PLEASE call 911!

Do you have a tip about drug activity? For anonymous tips to the Stoughton Police please EMAIL: cpoffice@stoughton-ma.gov OR TEXT: 274637 (“crimes”) and start the message with “Stoughton PD”.

Another great resource: Allies in Recovery – “an online home when a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol” This resource is FREE for MA residents thanks to a grant from the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. When you register use your zip code as the promotional code.

For information on detox facilities, family support and signs and symptoms of overdose, please see below.

Learn to Cope is a support group for parents and family members dealing with a loved one addicted to heroin, Oxycontin and other drugs.

Risk Factors for Overdose

-Low tolerance after periods of abstinence from opiates (such as relapse after incarceration or treatment etc.). 3 days of abstinence can be enough to lower tolerance and increase the risk for overdose.

-Changes in purity of the drug.

-Past overdoses. If someone has previously overdosed, their risk is higher.

-Issues with physical health, such as Hepatitis C.

-Heroin laced with Fentanyl or other drugs.

-“Speedballing” -mixing Heroin and Cocaine

-Using by oneself

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

1) Awake but not able to respond

2) Body very limp

3) Very pale in color, ashen look to the skin

4) Pulse: slow, erratic, or has stopped

5) Blue fingertips or lips

6) Shallow or erratic breathing

7) Passed out

8) Choking sounds or gurgling noise

9) Vomiting

What to Do if you Suspect an Overdose

1) Assess the signs

2) Stimulation: rub sternum (Rub your knuckles hard on their breastbone. If there is no response, the person is unconscious.)